Today's Features

If Tickle Ragland doesn’t hold a record for length of corresponding with a pen pal, she surely must be close.

Ragland, 72, has exchanged letters with Sharon Meisenheimer of Walnut, Ill., for 62 years.

In those six decades, they have seen the price of stamps increase from 3 to 44 cents, but much more importantly, the two women have developed a closeness that rivals that of siblings.

Producers can elect and enroll in the Average Crop Revenue Election program beginning April 27. ACRE is a provision of the 2008 Farm Bill.

Producers have until Aug. 14 to make their decision for the 2009 crop. USDA will not accept any late-filed applications.

Producers who elect the ACRE program for a farm agree to forgo counter-cyclical payments; accept a 20-percent reduction of the direct payments; and accept a 30-percent reduction in loan rates for all commodities produced on the farm.

The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved $4,463,420 in 28 agricultural diversification projects across the state.

The LaRue County Beef Cattle Association Inc. was awarded $130,000.

Extension agent David Harrison said the beef producers will act as the administrator for the funds. Individuals and groups can apply for funds in 11 different areas. An informational meeting will be held later this year.

One of the fondest memories of my childhood is that of my entire family sitting down almost every evening for a nice meal together. It was a great opportunity for us to talk about the day’s events and stay connected with each other. For most families these days it is hard to make time for family meals for many reasons. But the benefits of sharing a meal together are tremendous for both parents and kids.